Splash, climb, touch, explore, trade, play, pretend and slide into adventures at the Rita (Fredenhagen) and John Harvard Early Learning Playscape at Naper Settlement. It’s where history comes to play!

Nestled in a replica of a wooden fort, the Harvard Early Learning Playscape is designed for children ages 2 through 7 to explore the outdoors in a setting created just for them. The playscape playground and splash pad provide opportunities for early childhood physical, imaginative and social development while promoting increased connections to the natural environment, local history and community engagement.

The early childhood field emphasizes the value of nature to support a young child’s curiosity, discovery and sense of wonder, thereby promoting their growth in all developmental domains.

Please note: The water features in the Splash Pad are turned on between May 15 and September 30 on days that the temperature is above 70 degrees. Water will be shut off during lightning, heavy storms, tornadoes and for repairs as needed.

Admission

Entrance into the playscape area is included in your museum admission
$12/adult; $10/senior (62+); $8/youth (4-12)
Under 4 years, Naperville residents (with proof of residency) and Members are free

Highlights of the Playscape include:

Splash Pad

Splash in the water in Naperville's only splash pad.

Touch the pump to activate the water for the water trough.

Activate the water cannon and the ground misters by simply pressing a button.

Playground

Climb up in the blockhouse and slide down the twisting tube slide.

Look through the telescope and periscope.

Relay a secret message to a friend through talking tubes.

Trading Post

Trade with friends and role play as the owner and/or customer of a trading post.

Conestoga Wagon

New access allows for opportunities to investigate aboard the vehicle known as the “moving van of the 1800s.”

Take a photo to commemorate your visit.

Play “Pack Your Wagon” and learn what the pioneers brought with them on their journey to the Illinois frontier.

Animal Tracks

See a variety of animal tracks and “Walk with the Animals.”

Follow the tracks and guess which animal belongs to each track.

Sensory Prairie Garden

Experience a variety of plants the early pioneers might have seen on the prairie or planted in their gardens.

Activity Cart

Fly the Illinois flag and see our state’s flower, tree, bird and animal.

The four seasons of Illinois will be explored and will include plants, animals, weather and people.

Little Free Library
Naper Settlement is proud to host one of very few Little Free Libraries in Naperville. Our Little Free Library, decorated with the hands of Camp Naper campers, offers a way for our guests to connect with other community members and share favorite books of all kinds - books that teach, intrigue and engage. The instructions are simple:

Take a book: If you see something you would like to read, take it. Check inside to see if there is a note from whoever gave it.

Share a book: Return it to any Little Free Library or pass it on to a friend. If you can't bear to part with it, keep it and bring back a different book to share.

Return a book: Do your part and keep Little Free Libraries stocked with high-quality books - share your favorite titles. Be a friend of libraries big and small. Pay it forward!

Helpful Information

Bring a snack or a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shaded picnic area.

Healthy cold beverages and snacks are available from a vending machine nearby.

Bring a towel to dry off the youngsters after they play in the water and before you explore other exhibits and historic buildings at the museum.

Admission to the Playscape is included in your admission (Naperville residents and museum members receive free admission with proof of residency) and is open during Naper Settlement regular hours. See Hours & Admissions

Parking is free in the Naper Settlement parking lot on the southwest corner of Webster Street and Porter Avenue and in the City of Naperville’s Municipal Lot (weekends only) on the northwest corner of Webster Street and Aurora Avenue.

Playscape ReadersDate: June 6, July 11, and August 22Cost: Free with paid admission, no registration required.

Find a seat on the quilt for you and your child and enjoy an engaging story time featuring changing animal themes.
Third Thursday ThinkersDate: June 21, July 19, and August 16Cost: Free with paid admission, no registration required.

Every third Thursday of the month (June through August), drop by Naper Settlement's Rita (Fredenhagen) and John Harvard Early Learning Playscape to experience history in unexpected ways. Take your young thinkers on a museum adventure, use your senses, and develop fine motor skills. Each month will feature a new activities related to changing animal themes.